Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has warned the public to be careful when seeking services in banks after arresting three men accused of defrauding customers.
The suspects are Nkurunziza John, who called himself Shumbusho Sumaile, Dushimiyimana Emmanuel, who used the name Christian, and Gatongore Issa.
According to RIB, the group would go to banks and look for people who seemed new to depositing or exchanging money.
One suspect would approach the person as if asking for help, while the others pretended to be customers with large amounts of U.S. dollars.
They then tricked victims into believing they could benefit by helping to exchange the money.
To make the scam look real, the suspects showed bundles of cut paper disguised as dollars, with a genuine $100 note on top.
Once the victim agreed, they were persuaded to hand over their own money.
The suspects would then escape with the cash, often with the help of motorcycle taxi drivers working with them.
RIB spokesperson Dr. Murangira B. Thierry said the suspects were repeat offenders.
In 2018, Gatongore and Dushimiyimana were jailed for five years for similar crimes, while in 2024, Nkurunziza was convicted of fraud and given a suspended sentence.
“This is not the first time these men have been involved in such crimes,” Dr. Murangira said.
RIB is calling on anyone who may have been defrauded in this way to report to Rwezamenyo RIB station or the nearest office.
The public is also advised to be cautious of strangers in banking halls who offer help or promise profits.
Dr. Murangira thanked those who have already shared information that led to the arrests, saying community cooperation is key in the fight against fraud.
